Apple has announced that the Apple iPhone 16 series will officially launch in Indonesia next month. This follows the Indonesian government’s decision to lift its ban on Apple’s devices. The ban was removed after Apple committed to a € 275 million investment plan in the country. Indonesia ranks as the fourth-largest smartphone market globally, after China, India, and the United States. In 2024, smartphone shipments in the country grew by 15.5% year-over-year, reaching nearly 40 million units. This growth was primarily driven by the ultra-low-end segment. Apple is optimistic that the new Apple iPhone 16e will sell well, with some in the market referring to it as a “refurbish killer.”
Apple meets local content requirements
In October 2024, Indonesia blocked sales of the Apple iPhone 16 series, stating that Apple failed to meet the country’s 40% local content requirement. Since then, Apple has secured a local component content (TKDN) certification from Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry.
Investment in Indonesian R&D
Apple has committed to training local research and development teams in Indonesia. The government aims for Apple to establish an R&D presence to train local developers in software and product design.
New Apple manufacturing plants planned
Apple will also establish a manufacturing plant on Batam Island, which will produce AirTags. Luxshare Precision Industry, a key Apple supplier, will manage the facility, which will be responsible for 20% of the global AirTag production. Another plant in Bandung will manufacture Apple accessories.
No plans for local Apple iPhone production
Currently, Apple has no plans to manufacture Apple iPhones in Indonesia. It remains the only brand allowed to sell imported smartphones in the country without local manufacturing.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
